Spectacular images as new locally made Marine Rescue boats hit the water

Two new boats from local boatbuilders will be added to the Marine Rescue fleet up and down the east coast of NSW

Two boats made locally have hit the water to keep maintain marine safety up and down the east coast.

A 10-metre monohulled Naiad vessel built by Yamba Welding and Engineering will head to Evans Head, while a 13.5 metre monohull built by Harwood Marine will head south to Jervis Bay to help patrol one of the busiest areas in the state.

Take a look at some spectacular drone footage at the top of the article to see the Jervis Bay boat being tested on the Clarence River last month.

Marine Rescue NSW Fleet Manager Kelvin Parkin has overseen the trials of the $850,000 boat bound for Jervis Bay, which were undertaken in conjunction with builder Harwood Marine.

Mr Parkin said “Jervis Bay 40 has been designed for offshore rescues in rough conditions and includes features such as shock mitigating seats, a flybridge for additional vision during searches and extensive underfloor storage.”

“(The boat) is due to arrive in its new home on Jervis Bay in the next month and will be a significant upgrade over the unit’s current boat, improving the unit’s search capability and supporting crew comfort and endurance, which in turn will boost boating safety for the region,” he said.

Meantime, Minister Emergency Services David Elliott today said crews from Marine Rescue Evans Head would be able to respond faster to an emergency on the water thanks to the delivery of their new $565,000 rescue vessel.

Mr Elliott said the 10 metre monohulled Naiad vessel, Evans Head 31, had arrived at its new home on the waters of the Evans River on the NSW North Coast.

“As well as operating on the river, the boat can quickly deploy up to 30 nautical miles out to sea to rescue boaters who find themselves in trouble offshore.”

Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said the boat, purpose-designed and built to meet demanding local operating conditions, was a reassuring presence for locals and visitors alike.

“The new boat has already proved its worth, rescuing a boater stranded offshore after their vessel ran out of fuel,” he said.

“Boaters on our beautiful waterways can rest easier knowing that this state of the art craft is at the ready should they run into trouble.

“Built locally by Yamba Welding & Engineering, and powered by twin 300hp Suzuki outboards, this new rescue vessel represents a significant boost for local jobs and our regional economy, as well as the safety of boaters.”

Marine Rescue Evans Head Unit Commander Ken Exley thanked the local community for its generous support for the unit’s energetic fundraising efforts to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the new vessel.

He said the vessel was a significant improvement over the unit’s former boat.

“The upgraded search and rescue technology on board including radar, sonar and FLIR night vision will improve our search capability, which is vital to our mission of saving lives here on the coastline,” he said.

“With a greater rear deck area, larger windows for better visibility, improved handling and manoeuvrability and greater volunteer comfort, our crews will be able to operate more safely for longer periods and in a wider range of weather and sea conditions.

“With boating continuing to grow in popularity on the North Coast, this new boat provides boaters, sailors and other water craft users with the reassurance that a professionally equipped and trained emergency service is looking out for them.”